Starting June 1, the sale of any vape device that isn’t both rechargeable and refillable will be banned across the United Kingdom. This means that most disposable vapes will no longer be available from shops, marking a major change for vapers in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The move to ban disposable vapes was first announced last October, with environmental concerns as the primary reason. However, lawmakers also hope the ban will help reduce youth vaping, which they believe is becoming a crisis.
What Does the New Law Cover?
The disposable vapes ban will be enforced simultaneously in all four UK nations, with identical rules:
Only vape devices that are both rechargeable and refillable are allowed for sale.
Pod or cartridge vapes using pre-filled, replaceable pods are permitted if the replacement pods are sold separately.
Devices refillable with bottled e-liquid must have either replaceable coils or pods that can also be bought separately.
Batteries do not have to be replaceable, but they must be rechargeable.
The law does not prohibit the personal use or possession of disposable vapes, but targets retailers, wholesalers, and importers who sell, offer, or even possess single-use vapes for sale.
Can the UK Prevent a Black Market for Disposable Vapes?
Responsibility for enforcing the ban on disposable vapes will fall to a range of authorities, depending on location—this could be Trading Standards, the Border Force, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), or the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
In England, Trading Standards will play the biggest role, overseeing shop inspections and investigating underage sales of disposable vapes. But experts are raising concerns about the resources allocated to enforce the new rules. According to a 2024 report, Trading Standards in England will get an extra £10 million (about $13.4 million), which is enough to hire only 80 new apprentice officers across 136 local offices—far from what may be needed to stem a thriving black market for disposable vapes.
Recent figures from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute estimate that up to a third of vaping products sold in the UK are already illegal. From 2022 to 2024, over six million illegal disposable vapes—including counterfeit and non-compliant products—were seized in England alone, according to the BBC. The upcoming ban is expected to sharply increase the workload for enforcement agencies.
Will Smoking Rates Go Up After the Disposable Vapes Ban?
With disposable vapes about to be banned, many UK vapers say they would turn to black market products rather than switch to refillable devices. This is especially true among those under 18, who are already familiar with illicit channels and may not be comfortable with refillable options.
A recent poll by online vape retailer Evapo found that 61% of disposable vapes users would consider buying illegal disposables if they are easy to get after the ban.
Even more concerning, a 2024 government report revealed that 29% of vapers might return to smoking if disposable vapes are no longer available. Research from University College London also warns that the ban could disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups—people who already have higher smoking rates and more difficulty quitting. For many, disposable vapes offer unmatched convenience, especially for those with disabilities or mental health challenges.
Stockpiling Disposable Vapes Ahead of the Ban
The full impact of the disposable vapes ban remains to be seen. Many vapers are already buying up supplies before June 1. With retailers slashing prices to clear inventory, some users are taking advantage of deals on disposable vapes.
A survey by the Haypp Group, reported by Scarborough News, shows that 82% of current disposable vapes users plan to stock up before the deadline—with nearly a third planning to buy at least a six-month supply.
With the end of disposable vapes in the UK, many are watching to see whether vapers will adapt to new products, seek out illegal sources, or even return to cigarettes. Only time will reveal the true effects of the disposable vape ban.
